How to Choose the Best Pet for Your Family When You Have Kids

If your kids are looking for an animal to bond with and care for, a bird could be the right match. They're not necessarily as high-maintenance as dogs or cats, but birds still have big personalities and activity time.

"Birds are relatively intelligent creatures and need stimulation," Bales says. It's not only important to feed them properly, but give them an enriched environment by understanding their needs, which can mean human interaction, time outside of the cage, talking to them, and more. Birds can also live up to 20 years and more, giving your child a lifelong friend.